Research Fellows

Join a global cohort exploring bold ideas to turn waste, carbon, and policy into practical change.

About the Utter Rubbish Fellowship

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

  • Demonstrate a strong interest in sustainability, climate action, or resource management
  • Are actively engaged in education, business, community work, or innovation
  • Show leadership potential and a commitment to driving positive change
  • Are motivated to apply learning in real-world contexts
  • Value collaboration, inclusion, and global perspectives

We particularly encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and geographies.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful Fellows will gain:

  • Access to the Resource Literate Certification
  • Opportunities to lead or contribute to sustainability initiatives
  • A global network of like-minded changemakers
  • Mentorship and professional development support
  • Recognition as a Resource Literate Fellow

Expression of Interest

26-27

We are inviting expressions of interest from passionate individuals who are committed to advancing sustainability, resource literacy, and circular economy thinking within their communities, organisations, and professional fields.

The Research Fellowship is designed for emerging and established leaders who want to move beyond awareness and take meaningful action, transforming how resources are understood, managed, and valued.

If you are interested in joining the Fellowship, please submit an expression of interest outlining:

  1. Your background and current role
  2. Your interest in sustainability and resource literacy
  3. Any relevant experience or initiatives
  4. How you hope to contribute as a Fellow
  5. What you aim to gain from the programme

Global, fully remote program

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A meticulously organized workspace dedicated to sustainability research, with a large matte-black monitor displaying a colorful circular infographic of carbon flows and resource cycles. Surrounding the monitor are neatly stacked recycled paper reports with clean, minimalist covers labeled “Policy Brief,” “Education Toolkit,” and “Carbon Literacy Index.” A pale bamboo desk surface reflects soft, diffused daylight from an unseen window, casting gentle shadows and subtle highlights on metal stationery and a slim keyboard. The background is softly blurred shelves holding labeled archive boxes and a single lush green plant in a simple white pot. Photographic realism, eye-level composition with a slight three-quarter angle, crisp focus on the documents and screen, creating a professional, calm, and deeply analytical mood suitable for a sustainability think tank homepage hero image.

Our Fellows

Shakshi Lamsal

Nepal

Shakshi is a dynamic media professional, presenter, and youth advocate from Nepal, with a growing influence across entertainment, communication, and global engagement platforms. She is widely recognised for her work as an emcee, brand ambassador, and television presenter, bringing a strong public presence and communication expertise to diverse audiences.

Lamech Opiyo

Kenya

Lamech brings a powerful combination of grassroots experience, global engagement, and leadership in sustainability. He is passionate about driving resource-conscious practices, strengthening community resilience, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to take action on the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Vihara Marasinghe

Sri Lanka

Vihara is a researcher from the University of Colombo, specialising in business economics to gain a deeper understanding of global economic dynamics. Committed to creating meaningful impact by supporting the achievement of SDGs and advancing human rights.

Maria Rym Laifa

Algeria

Maria is a researcher in architecture and emerging sustainability-focused professional, currently studying at the Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU) in Algeria. Her work reflects a growing commitment to designing spaces that are not only functional and aesthetic, but also environmentally responsible and socially impactful.